Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement (BHRT)
An Overview
 Although we rarely
think about them, the glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release
influence almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. In fact, research
over the years points to declining hormone levels as a key factor in the aging
process, and is responsible in large part for decreased energy and muscle strength,
loss of libido, depression, mood swings, inability to cope, and an increase in
the symptoms of PMS and menopause. As men and women undergo these hormonal changes,
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is frequently necessary and beneficial for supporting
good health as we age.
When HRT went mainstream over fifty years ago, the focus was primarily on supplementation
of women's hormones. Research and development of synthetic and equine hormones
since the 1940's has provided the basis for most references on HRT. Based on
this research, the medical community has approached conventional HRT by relying
on a variety of "synthetic" estrogens and progestins products that
come only in one-size-fits-all doses. While this therapy has worked for some
women, many others have found that it has no effect at all, or worse yet, have
found they cause a host of unpleasant side effects. Many women who start on
HRT ended up going off it a few months or a few years later because of the side
effects. In hindsight this should come as no surprise, since the chemical structures
of these medications are not identical but only similar to what the body naturally
produces. Furthermore, the one-size-fits-all doses does not accurately address
every woman's unique hormonal profile and needs.
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) attempts to restore a "bio-identical"
hormone balance through the use of plant-derived hormone precursors that are
modified to become structurally identical to those found in human beings. By
reestablishing a "natural" hormonal balance, BHRT helps alleviate
the symptoms caused when the body's hormone production decreases with age. It
also confers the many protective benefits provided by naturally occurring hormones.
Because bio-identical hormones are molecularly identical to those the patient
naturally produces, they may not cause the uncomfortable side effects that synthetic
hormone replacement products do.
When discussing hormone replacement therapy most people think it is reserved
solely reserved for women. However, men also experience hormonal and physiological
change with age just like women. Andropause, also known as male menopause, is
more gradual than that experienced by women, but it is just as real. Over the
past 5 to 10 years the practice of HRT has become as routine for men as for
women. Maintaining adequate levels of testosterone in the body is critical to
many systems to include muscle and bone health, cardiovascular health, stamina,
sexual health and mental function.
At Cox Pharmacy we recognize and respect your individuality as a man or women.
We know that your hormone profile is as unique as your fingerprint, and you
will not experience hormonal changes in exactly the same way as someone else.
 Our approach to the
BHRT is based on our dedication to providing a one-on-one, private and professional
consultation including a of review every aspect of your hormonal health. This
consultation is accompanied by hormone-level assessment and monitoring combined
with appropriate recommendations for customized doses of bio-identical hormones
that we tailor-make in our in-house compounding lab. We recognize and promote
the important contribution of healthy lifestyle choices and proper nutritional
supplementation to hormone balance so we also provide additional information
and education for these areas of concern.
At Cox Pharmacy, our pharmacists are experts in the field of Bio-identical
Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Over the years they have worked alongside
patients and their doctors making thousands of BHRT recommendations and have
been very effective in helping patients balance their hormones and thereby improving
their health and well-being. We believe the key to our program's success is
based upon our desire and willingness to listen to our patients and provide
truly unique solutions to their individual needs.
Please take a moment to browse through the rest of the information we've provided
on Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Our pharmacists suggest that you
first consult with your physician if you decide to pursue BHRT. If you have
more questions than our web site can answer, feel free to contact us by phone
at (918) 456-2233 or toll free at 1-866-269-5556. Our friendly pharmacists and
patient care specialists are always willing to help you find the answers to
your personal health questions.
Regain Your Body Balance
The key to hormone health in men and women is balance. Hormone imbalances can
become increasingly complex because sometimes the level of a hormone is not
as important as its ratio to the other hormones. This situation is especially
true with a woman's hormones, which is why we talk of "balancing"
hormones rather than merely increasing them.
BHRT for Men
 The approach to correcting
hormone deficiency in men is much more simple because hormone replacement involves
only one hormone, testosterone. A simple blood test can determine this deficiency
and if detected natural testosterone supplementation can restore youthful energy
and vitality in men. Although we provide compounded testosterone products in
the form of sublingual triturates and gels, we do not currently offer a comprehensive
BHRT management program for men like the one we offer for women. Therefore the
remainder of the information included below will only address women's hormone
issues.
BHRT for Women
While the ability of a woman's body to produce hormones declines with age, her
body's need for hormones does not always decline as well. Therefore, hormone
replacement is necessary in order to maintain proper functioning of the body,
but healthy hormonal balance is complicated in women. Finding the right balance
of these hormones for each woman is essential for optimal benefits. At Cox Pharmacy,
our pharmacists will work with each woman individually and her physician to
choose the ideal replacement protocol to bring her hormones back to their proper
balance.
Clicking on any link below will take you to additional information related
to bioidentical hormone replacement for women.
|  |
